More Early Images: Jamey Allen, Martha Breen, and Grove & Grove

Martha Breen, Platform Mules, size 5, 1995Are you hooked on Kathleen Dustin’s presentation about the work done by the early polymer bead makers? Then, you’ll want to see even more images by those pioneers. After each of Kathleen’s next few installments, I will provide you with an expanded view of those artists’ early work.

In the gallery that follows you can put Martha Breen’s, Jamey Allen’s and Grove & Gorve’s work into context over a decade. Click on each image to examine their pieces more closely.

Martha Breen, Platform Mules, size 5, 1995


Martha Breen, Necklace, 1988

Martha Breen, Necklace, 1988


Martha Breen, Urban Tribe Frames., 1989

Martha Breen, Urban Tribe Frames., 1989


Martha Breen, Alice, 1995

Martha Breen, Alice, 1995


Jamey Allen, Lunate Collar detail, 1988, 12″ long

Jamey Allen, Lunate Collar detail, 1988, 12″ long


Jamey Allen, 11 Pins, 1989, 2″w

Jamey Allen, 11 Pins, 1989, 2″ w

Jamey Allen, Pin

Jamey Allen, Pin, 1 3/4″ x 1 1/2″ x 3/4″

Jamey Allen, Pin

Jamey Allen, Pin, 1 1/8″ x 1 1/4″ x 3/4″


Jamey Allen, Red-Wing Blackbird, 1989

Jamey Allen, Red-Wing Blackbird, 1989, 1 1/2″ w


Jamey Allen, Beads, 1990c
Jamey Allen, folded beads, circa 1990

Jamey Allen, Folded Bead Necklace

Jamey Allen, Folded Bead necklace, 16″ long, center bead, 1 1/4″ x 3/4″ x 3/4″
Jamey Allen, Long Red Necklace, 1992
Jamey Allen, Long Red Necklace, 1992, 18″ long
Jamey Allen, Long Blue Necklace, 1993
Jamey Allen, Long Blue Necklace, 1993, 20″ long
Michael Grove, Black,White, Red Caned Necklace, 1987
Michael Grove, Black, White and Red Necklace, 1987
Ruth Anne Grove, Early Pin and Earrings
Ruth Anne Grove, Early Pin and Earrings
M & R Grove, Early Necklace
Grove & Grove, Early Necklace

I cannot remember a time in my life that I wasn't interested in looking at art, talking about art and the making of art. In 1990 I earned a Phd in art history at the University of Maryland. My first experiences with polymer clay were in 1992, but I consider my real work with the medium to date from 1999.